Joe Root's unbeaten 99 powers England to series-levelling win over India in 2nd ODI
- Joe Root remained unbeaten on 99, surpassing Virat Kohli's ODI record for most runs in a bilateral series.
- England chased down India's total of 276 with four wickets in hand, levelling the three-match series 1-1.
- India's batting fragility was exposed as they lost wickets in clusters after a solid start.
Root's masterclass steers England home
Joe Root produced a vintage one-day international innings, scoring an unbeaten 99 to guide England to a four-wicket victory over India in the second ODI in Cardiff on Thursday. The win levels the three-match series at 1-1, setting up a decider at Lord's on Sunday.
Root's knock, which spanned 107 balls, was a lesson in pacing a chase. He anchored the innings as wickets fell around him, ensuring England never lost control despite occasional jitters. His unbeaten 99 also saw him surpass Virat Kohli's record for the most runs in a bilateral ODI series between the two sides.
India's batting: promise undone by collapses
India posted 276 for 8 in their 50 overs after being put in to bat. Shubman Gill (67 off 68) and Virat Kohli (56 off 63) put on a brisk 101-run stand for the second wicket, giving India a strong platform. But once Kohli fell to a sharp catch at backward point, India's middle order crumbled.
From 157 for 1, India slipped to 210 for 5 in the space of seven overs. Wickets kept falling at regular intervals, with only Hardik Pandya (35 off 32) providing some late thrust. England's bowlers, led by David Willey (2 for 42) and Adil Rashid (2 for 55), kept things tight in the middle overs.
England's chase: calm amid the chaos
England's reply began solidly with openers Jason Roy (40 off 48) and Jonny Bairstow (34 off 37) adding 62 runs in 11 overs. But India struck back through Mohammed Shami (2 for 52) and Kuldeep Yadav (2 for 48), reducing England to 113 for 3.
Root held firm at one end, rotating strike and finding the boundary when needed. He found a capable partner in Ben Stokes (47 off 58), who played a crucial supporting role in a 95-run stand for the fourth wicket. After Stokes fell, Root guided England home with an over to spare, finishing with a single that brought up his 99th run.
Root's record and India's fragility
Root's unbeaten 99 not only secured the win but also broke Kohli's record for the most runs in an India-England bilateral ODI series. The record, which had stood for over a decade, underscores Root's consistency and ability to perform under pressure.
India's batting fragility, however, remains a concern. They have now lost four or more wickets for under 100 runs in the second half of their innings in three consecutive ODIs. The middle order's inability to convert starts into substantial scores could prove costly in the series decider.
The third and final ODI will be played at Lord's on Sunday. Both teams have plenty to ponder, but England will take confidence from Root's composure and their bowlers' discipline. India, meanwhile, will need to address their batting collapses if they are to win the series.